The Handmaid’s Tale season 6 is gearing up for its final act, and fans just got their first glimpse of the dystopian drama’s return. Hulu recently released a teaser as part of a 2025 Disney Plus and Hulu trailer, featuring June Osborne (Elisabeth Moss) and Serena Waterford (Yvonne Strahovski) in chilling scenes. Alongside the teaser, first-look images spotlight returning characters like Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd), Nick (Max Minghella), Moira (Samira Wiley), Rita (Amanda Brugel), and Luke (O-T Fagbenle).
Release Date: Delays and Updates
Hulu has not yet confirmed a release date, but season 6 is expected to premiere in spring 2025, according to Deadline. Production faced significant delays due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Elisabeth Moss previously explained that the show’s increasingly ambitious scale has also contributed to its extended timeline, as season 6 aims to deliver a fitting conclusion to the groundbreaking series.
A Cryptic Teaser Trailer
The teaser trailer offers just a taste of what’s to come. It opens with Serena ominously declaring, “Something big is about to happen,” followed by June’s determined line, “Let’s bring them home.” The brief clip has left fans speculating about the season’s dramatic trajectory.
Plot: What Lies Ahead
While official plot details remain under wraps, season 5’s finale left numerous threads dangling. Canada, once a refuge, began to mirror Gilead’s oppressive control, forcing June and Luke to plan an escape. However, Luke’s arrest after a deadly altercation left June fleeing alone with her daughter, Nichole. In a twist, June discovered Serena and her baby were also aboard her escape train, setting up a tense dynamic for season 6.
Meanwhile, Gilead continues its expansion under Commander Lawrence (Bradley Whitford), who is crafting “Gilead 2.0,” also known as New Bethlehem. Hannah, June and Luke’s eldest daughter, remains trapped in Gilead, adding emotional stakes to the final chapter.
Executive producer Bruce Miller hinted that the new season will pick up directly where the last one left off, avoiding a significant time jump. He also teased unresolved romantic tension between June and Nick, describing it as the “most romantic Nick/June season ever” despite their physical separation.
Cast: Familiar Faces and New Additions
Season 6 will feature the core cast:
- Elisabeth Moss as June Osborne
- O-T Fagbenle as Luke
- Max Minghella as Nick
- Ann Dowd as Aunt Lydia
- Yvonne Strahovski as Serena Waterford
- Samira Wiley as Moira
- Amanda Brugel as Rita
- Bradley Whitford as Commander Lawrence
Timothy Simons (Veep) joins in a guest role, though details about his character remain undisclosed. Original cast members Joseph Fiennes (Commander Waterford) and Alexis Bledel (Emily) are not expected to return.
As production progresses, additional casting news is anticipated, particularly with the show’s connection to The Testaments, Margaret Atwood’s sequel novel that Hulu has adapted into a spin-off series.
The Final Season and Beyond
Season 6 marks the end of The Handmaid’s Tale, but it won’t conclude Gilead’s story entirely. The upcoming spin-off, The Testaments, will continue exploring Atwood’s dystopian world. Some elements of the sequel novel will be woven into season 6, while others will lay the groundwork for the new series.
Creator Bruce Miller expressed gratitude for the opportunity to end the show on their terms, stating, “It has been a true honor to tell the story of Margaret Atwood’s groundbreaking novel.” Elisabeth Moss added that while season 6 will provide closure for many characters, it won’t attempt to resolve every aspect of Gilead, leaving room for The Testaments.
What Fans Can Expect
As the curtain closes on this Emmy-winning series, viewers can expect an emotionally charged, character-driven final season that sets the stage for the next chapter in The Testaments. With its focus on survival, rebellion, and the unbreakable human spirit, The Handmaid’s Tale season 6 is poised to leave an indelible mark.
